Walk Jerash’s half-mile Cardo Maximus, the best-preserved Roman street
5-Day Jordan Highlights: Discover Jordan's top highlights in 5 days. Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea float, and Jerash.
Continue planning with our Jerash destination guide, and consult the official Jordan Tourism Board for current destination information.
This is Jordan distilled to its essence. Five days capture everything that makes this kingdom extraordinary. From the northern Roman splendor of Jerash to the rose-red wonders of Petra, from the alien landscapes of Wadi Rum to the impossible buoyancy of the Dead Sea, this itinerary delivers Jordan’s greatest hits without a wasted hour. Each day builds on the last, creating a journey that flows from ancient history through desert adventure to therapeutic relaxation. For first-time visitors seeking the complete Jordan experience, this is the itinerary we recommend above all others.
Five days is the minimum for Jordan’s complete highlights circuit. Day 1 covers Jerash and Amman, the north’s essential sites. Days 2 and 3 deliver Petra in full, including the Monastery and Petra by Night. Day 4 provides Wadi Rum’s desert magic with overnight under stars. Day 5 offers Dead Sea recovery before departure. The routing is geographically efficient, minimizing backtracking. If you want to say I have seen Jordan with full confidence, five days is the answer.
Key details for planning this private journey experience.
Walk Jerash’s half-mile Cardo Maximus, the best-preserved Roman street
Watch Petra’s Treasury emerge from the Siq’s shadows
Climb 850 steps to the magnificent Monastery
Experience Petra by Night’s candlelit magic
Sleep under infinite stars in a Wadi Rum desert camp
Float effortlessly in the Dead Sea’s therapeutic waters
Cover Jordan’s north, south, and center in perfect balance
A simple view of what is covered in this journey and what should be planned separately.
Hadrian’s Arch, South Gate, Hippodrome, Oval Plaza, Cardo Maximus, Nymphaeum, Temple of Artemis, theaters, and photography time.
Traditional Jordanian home cooking.
Citadel, Roman Theater, Theater Museum, downtown souk walk, heritage coffee break, and Jabal Al-Weibdeh arts district.
Overnight at Amman hotel.
Siq, Treasury, Street of Facades, Theater, Royal Tombs, Colonnaded Street, Great Temple, Basin Restaurant lunch, Byzantine Church, and exit through the Siq.
Check-in, rest, dinner, and Petra by Night when operating.
Khazali Canyon, Red Sand Dune, Lawrence’s Spring, Um Fruth Rock Bridge, desert lunch, Burdah Rock Bridge viewpoint, and canyon exploration.
Resort orientation, beach relaxation, sunset, dinner, and overnight.
Boat boarding, safety briefing, and coral reef snorkeling.
Rest stops and arrival back to Amman hotels in the evening.
Tour concludes at airport or Amman hotel.
Everything important for planning, comfort, access, timing, and on-the-ground expectations.
Day 1 pickup: 07:30 from Amman hotel.
Day 5 drop-off: 15:00 at Amman or airport.
Accommodation: 4-star standard with upgrades available.
Routing: north to south to Dead Sea.
5 days, 4 nights.
Total driving: 12 hours.
Activity time: 25 hours.
Leisure time: 10 hours.
Private: 2 to 8 guests.
Group: 9 to 16 guests.
Vehicles: air-conditioned throughout. Wadi Rum uses local 4×4 trucks.
Moderate to high. Jerash and Petra involve significant walking. Wadi Rum includes sand dunes. Dead Sea is minimal. Good fitness recommended for Days 1 through 3.
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 2 guests | From $645 per person |
| 4 guests | From $560 per person |
| 6 guests | From $505 per person |
| 8 guests | From $465 per person |
Prices reflect 2026 market rates for private guided tours. Final quote depends on travel dates, accommodation tier, and customization. Jordan Pass holders: deduct $75 per person. Children under 12: 50% of adult price.
March through May and September through November are ideal with temperatures in the mid-60s to low 80s Fahrenheit. June through August is hot but manageable with early starts. December through February is cool and pleasant. Year-round operation.
Booking: 25% deposit, balance due 14 days before departure.
Cancellation: full refund more than 14 days out, 50% refund 7 to 14 days, no refund under 7 days.
Jordan Pass: deduct $75 per person.
Not wheelchair accessible. Significant walking at Jerash, Petra, and Wadi Rum. Minimum age 10. Alternative vehicle-based options are available for limited mobility. Dead Sea is accessible for most guests.
Petra by Night runs Monday/Wednesday/Thursday. Wadi Rum balloon: weather dependent. Dead Sea resort access required. Ramadan: modified hours. Advance booking essential during March through May peak season.
Useful labels that help compare this journey with other Jordan Journey experiences.
Clear answers before you reserve your journey.
For the essential highlights, absolutely. You will experience Jerash, Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea with meaningful time at each. It is our most popular first-time Jordan itinerary.
North to south to Dead Sea is optimal. Jerash first while you are fresh, then Petra’s walking, Wadi Rum’s adventure, and Dead Sea recovery last. Perfect pacing.
Yes. We can arrange airport pickup on Day 1 and/or airport drop-off on Day 5. No additional charge for airport locations within the Amman area.
Impossible to sink. The 34% salinity makes floating effortless. Do not shave before visiting because it stings. Rinse thoroughly after floating and apply moisturizer.
Dead Sea upgrades are the most popular. Luxury resorts like Kempinski or Movenpick offer spa facilities and private beaches. Petra and Wadi Rum upgrades are also available.
Yes. Add Aqaba for the Red Sea, or extend Dead Sea for spa treatments. Custom extensions are available.
Yes. You literally cannot sink. Non-swimmers often feel safer here than in a swimming pool. Just float on your back and relax.
Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival. The Jordan Pass includes visa fees if purchased in advance online. We recommend the Jordan Pass for most visitors.
